ALAP May Meeting Recap

May 10 was the date for another fine ALAP gathering @ MLUI. The potluck was top notch and the discussion engaging. We heard two brief updates from Paul Murray (LifeHouse project) and Bruce Odom (Odom-Reuse) and then spent forty-five minutes with local agripreneur Nic Welty of 9 Bean Rows.

Nic spoke to us about a project he is working on to better connect small Leelanau county farmers with institutional buyers like restaurants. He is developing a software app that can run on smart phones and PCs and streamline communication, commerce, and logistics between farmers and direct wholesale purchasers of any size. Nic hopes that by enabling system efficiencies he can reduce waste, improve farmer recordkeeping and improve traceability and local food safety. He envisions a one-year trial for the app and expects to allocate funds raised for the project to initial software development, farmer incentives, and technical support. Several group members expressed initial interest in following up with Nic and will make arrangements for a subsequent meeting.

ALAP will meet next on June 14 (6pm @ MLUI) for a potluck and a full session devoted to group business including strategizing on outreach to both entrepreneurs and potential new group members and rotation of administrative duties. In the meantime, all ALAPers are encouraged to help identify and reach out to triple-bottom-line minded entrepreneurs who might benefit from speaking with our group.

Looking forward to keeping the momentum rolling and wish you all a fine Northern Michigan weekend!